Billionaire CEO threatens to fire employees if Obama is re-elected

David Siegel, the founder and CEO of Westgate Resorts, on Monday sent a letter to his 7000 employees warning that the company would be downsized if President Barack Obama was elected to a second term.

Siegal, a billionaire whobuilding the biggest housein America for himself, toldGawkerthe email was based on a chain letter that has been widely circulated. He said the email gave his employees “something to think about when they go to the polls.”

“The economy doesn’t currently pose a threat to your job. What does threaten your job however, is another 4 years of the same Presidential administration,” he said in the e-mail.

“If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, as our current President plans, I will have no choice but to reduce the size of this company,” he added. “Rather than grow this company I will be forced to cut back. This means fewer jobs, less benefits and certainly less opportunity for everyone.”

“So, when you make your decision to vote, ask yourself, which candidate understands the economics of business ownership and who doesn’t?” Siegal continued, in his nearly 400-word message. “Whose policies will endanger your job? Answer those questions and you should know who might be the one capable of protecting and saving your job.”

Recently, the Ohio-based energy company Murray Energy has faced legal complaints forallegedly pressuring employeesinto donating to Republican candidates. Federal campaign laws prohibit companies from using the threat of a detrimental job action to coerce employees to make a contribution on behalf of a candidate.